Auburn Football Recruiting Hot Board: Defense

Auburn has 16 commitments in its 2024 recruiting class with 10 projected to play on defense.

There’s still plenty of work to be done before the early signing period begins in December. There’s also plenty of time.

RELATED: Auburn’s 2024 commitment list

What is left for Auburn on defense in the 2024 class? Who are the top recruits at each position and what are Auburn’s chances with each?

The Hot Board has the answers.

Below are the recruits I believe are the top targets at each position and my guesses at Auburn’s chances of signing them. Keep in mind, the percentages are Auburn’s chances against the field.

Defensive line (4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentMalik Blocton (3)Pike Road, Ala.11/24AUAUTJ Lindsey (4)Bryant, Ark./IMG6/2AUAUDimitry Nicolas (3)Opa Locka, Fla.–60%85%Jeremiah Beaman (4)Birmingham, Ala.–UA/20%UA/20%LJ McCray (4)Daytona Beach, Fla.6/1215%15%Kamarion Franklin (4)Lake Cormorant, Miss.9/1OM/10%OM/10%

Following the commitment of Franklin to Ole Miss, Auburn appears to have made a strong push for Nicolas. He’s set to announce his decision on Friday at 11 a.m. CT. All signs point to the Tigers.

Linebackers (4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentDemarcus Riddick (5)Clanton, Ala.6/9AUAUJoseph Phillips (4)Tuskegee, Ala.–AUAUD’Angelo Barber (3)Pinson, Ala.–AUAUBradley Shaw (4)Hoover, Ala.–55%55%Jamonta Waller (4)Picayune, Miss.–UF/15%UF/15%

Shaw and Waller appear to be the top two targets here. Auburn continues to be the presumed favorite for Shaw and continues to work on Waller, the four-star Florida commit.

Cornerbacks (3)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJayden Lewis (4)Anniston, Ala.6/12AUAUJalyn Crawford (4)Lilburn, Ga.6/9AUAUJalewis Solomon (4)Ellaville, Ga.–AUAUAntonio White (3)Lilburn, Ga.–RU/25%RU/25%

With three of Auburn’s top targets committed, the Tigers could be done here. White, however, is one to track should Auburn decide to add another.

Safeties/nickels (3-4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentA’Mon Lane (4)Moody, Ala.–AUAUKensley Faustin (4)Naples, Fla.6/9AUAUZaquan Patterson (4)Hollywood, Fla.–50%50%KJ Bolden (5)Buford, Ga.10/65%FSU/5%

Patterson plans to announce his commitment on Saturday during halftime of his nationally-televised game. Florida State is the new leader in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), but that could change before the sun sets. Miami certainly isn’t going away and neither is Auburn. I’ll have a final percentage before Patterson’s announcement. I expect a lot of parts to be in motion today.

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